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Once nicknamed "Aladdin" by the Nightshade team, Azzan Yasir has found camaraderie--and a new callsign: LYGOS--in his six years with the Nightshade team. When Canyon Metcalfe recruits him to run security for his brother’s gubernatorial campaign, Azzan discovers how quickly long-buried secrets can devastate the best-laid plans.

Campaign manager Everly Sinclair has hidden from the limelight since her grandfather’s death. Assuming a nom de plume, she is out to prove her mettle in the contentious word of politics by launching her first candidate during a pre-Christmas event at an exclusive lodge in the mountains.

When Everly receives a mysterious envelope, she’s convinced the person who killed her grandfather now has her in his sights. But Azzan is convinced the killer is after him to settle an old score. Shedding their masks may be the deadliest move Azzan and Everly make this Christmas.

*****
Ronie Kendig does it again...pens us another thrilling, romantic, swoon worthy story about the military heroes we love!! ~Susan May Warren, rabid Ronie Kendig fan and USA Today best-selling, RITA award-winning author of Wild Montana Skies.

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2017

About the author

Ronie Kendig

69 books1,217 followers
Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share--sometimes--with Benning the Stealth Golden and AAndromeda the #mwdwashout. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Since launching onto the publishing scene, Ronie’s Rapid-Fire Fiction has hit the CBA Bestseller List, won the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, the RT Reviewers' Choice Award (twice), the HOLT Medallion, the IRCA, and FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Ronie loves people and helping other writers through speaking, workshops, and/or mentoring. Find Ronie at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) , Twitter (@roniekendig), GoodReads, and Instagram (www.instagram.com/kendigronie ).

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5 stars
128 (71%)
4 stars
37 (20%)
3 stars
12 (6%)
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3 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Fiction Aficionado.
659 reviews91 followers
November 24, 2017
For fans of Kendig’s Discarded Heroes series, this novella is a dream come true. I don’t mind telling you I was giddy excited when I found out this one was coming. I also don’t mind telling you that this novella lived up to every one of my expectations and then some. Not only do we get the Nightshade team, but we get several cameos from wives and children, not to mention the majority of Canyon Metcalfe’s (Midas/Wolfbane’s) family.

Azzan joined the Nightshade team at the end of Digitalis—a move that caused more than a little unrest within the team. Assassins aren’t exactly known for being team players. Judging by the banter between the Nightshade ‘ladies’ (as Griff often refers to them—and no, he doesn’t mean the wives!), six years has given Azzan plenty of time to settle into the team. But while the rest of the guys have established families, Azzan is still a loner. After all, what woman would stick by him once they found out he was an assassin?

Everly is a great match for Azzan—intelligent and focused. Well, usually. Azzan’s making that last part a little difficult! And so are the mysterious petals turning up, reminding her of the night her grandfather was killed by an assassin in his own home. I loved the back and forth in her developing relationship with Azzan—the obvious attraction that laces their interactions, only to be stifled by Azzan’s certainty she won’t want anything to do with him once she knows what he was, and then his certainty that he has put her life in danger by being at the campaign launch. Talk about a heart in a vice!

As always, the action was stellar (including some awesome parkour scenes with Azzan), the adrenaline was pumping, and the banter was perfectly placed to balance it all out. And yes, the romance was very satisfying too! Merry Christmas to me—and you!
Profile Image for Kelly Bridgewater.
1,149 reviews58 followers
December 30, 2020
Lygos by Ronie Kendig is a delightful Christmas story filled with mountains of snow in a snow lodge. It was nice to see the Metcalfe's again. They are some of my favorite heroes. I love basically every hero that Kendig writes as she crafts them. They are brave men who put the ones they love front and center. This story is no different. I read this story in a little over an hour. I did not put it down. I love the blooming romance and the fast-paced action. I wanted to spend time with the family around the fireplace and the Christmas tree with all their lights. I definitely recommend reading all of Kendig's novels.
Profile Image for Anne.
491 reviews14 followers
January 12, 2018
Whew! I could not put this book down!!! 'Rapid-Fire Fiction' takes on a whole new meaning with LYGOS. Kendig knows how to write edge-of-your-seat military thrillers and heart throbbing, pulse pounding romance and this one explodes on the pages with both! Better have 911 on speed dial, just in case. ;) But seriously, it was exciting to see favorite characters (Canyon Metcalfe, especially) from the past come together and do their magic. Azzan Yasir aka LYGOS, has moves that are fantastical and dizzying and oh, so powerful. He is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Everly Sinclair is perfect for him. She is strong, focused, and feminine. They are a perfect match.

I am not sure if reading the novella without having read the previous books in the series will have the same satisfaction (I read them all) BUT I do recommend all of Kendig’s books, starting with Nightshade (book one) in the Discarded Heroes series. They are exciting reads!

*I thought I posted my review when I finished the book back in November but apparently I didn't.
Profile Image for Necee.
359 reviews
November 26, 2017
Adrenaline, action packed assassin meets his match...

Wow...just wow!!! The Nightshade Team picks up the storyline of Lygos (Aladdin, aka Azzan Yasir), a former assassin turned Nightshade member. He meets his match in Everly Sinclair, but, she has her own secrets. As their two worlds collide, they are pitted against an unknown danger. I loved reading all about the Discarded Heroes, their families, and how well they work together. Lygos is amazing! This can be read as a standalone...however, you will want to read this entire series. It's just that good!
Profile Image for Sarita.
1,362 reviews647 followers
July 17, 2018
The book started slow but ended with a bang. It was great to revisit with all the discarded heroes and the author also brought in characters from her operation Zulu series.

There was a steaming kiss scene which some readers won’t like.

All in all enjoyed this novella.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,673 reviews43 followers
August 6, 2019
Title: Lygos (Discarded Heroes #5)
Author: Ronie Kendig
Pages: 126
Year: 2017
Publisher: Task Force Press
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Azzan Yasir, formerly “Aladdin”, now known as Lygos, has adapted and embraced being a member of Nightshade. When Canyon Metcalfe asks him to help with the security at his brother’s campaign fundraiser/endorsement, Azzan agrees. While scouting the property, he deems things fairly secure and well prepared. His heart, however, is not prepared for meeting and being attracted to Stone’s campaign manager, Everly Sinclair.
Everly Sinclair is keeping a secret from most people about her identity. She has prepared everything thoroughly for the campaign event and resents Azzan’s interference. Soon, things begin to happen that make her thankful Azzan is there for protection. All too quickly, Azzan works his way into her heart and she shares her secret with him. She knows he is hiding something also, but he won’t reveal his past to her. With a killer in their midst, can Azzan use his skills to keep her safe?
While I liked the idea of Azzan getting his own story, this novella was too short and seemed to rush the romance in my opinion. As usual with Ronie’s military stories, there was plenty of action and suspense to keep me tuned in to the plot. I also enjoyed the appearance of the rest of the Nightshade team and their continued camaraderie as well as ability to work seamlessly as a team when danger appears. I look forward to reading Ronie’s new book, Fire Storm, the beginning of a new series that I’m sure will have lots of tense moments and action-packed scenes!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Profile Image for Ian.
Author 4 books47 followers
December 1, 2017
I haven't read the Nightshade series yet (I will get to it, one day!) but that had no bearing on how much I enjoyed Lygos. Sure, it took me a little bit to get used to the code-names of the various players and was at times somewhat confused that some appeared to have multiple but that didn't take anything away from the story.

It was classic Kendig. Fast with action a plenty. And some great characters. Obviously it being only a novella, Kendig had to emphasise her two leads: Azzan and Everly. Took me a little while to warm to Azzan - I picture him as a hulk of a man and I loved how he was a parkour expert. Kendig did a marvellous job weaving this into the story, there were a couple of times I felt almost dizzy trying to picture the moves Azzan was making.

I really liked Everly. She was strong but vulnerable and extremely capable. She has a backstory (as does Azzan) and this is significant to the entire story's plot line. The plot is clever and Kendig weaves the villain into it discreetly only for it to explode as the story reaches its climactic moment.

And the kiss ... well kissing scene. It was HOT! Smokin' not. Could almost feel the electricity on the page!

Loved Lygos. And it's now made me want to read the Nightshade series very soon.

It's a novella that is hard to put down as the action is fast and the romance is hot!
Profile Image for Ashley Nikole.
Author 5 books37 followers
August 9, 2018
4 stars only because it was just too short!!
Otherwise- I loved the characters and plot- I could have a little cry over how much I loved Azzan's character from the first time we saw him in Digitalis- and I wanted to keep reading his story and Everly's. When I got to the epilogue, I felt like I was only embarking on chapter five of the story- so I was sad. Clearly. Haha.
Other than the length being waaayyyy too short for my liking, it was a good short burst of a story- though I could easily have seen it extending into something...longer? Will Azzan and Everly get another book of their own? Please say yes- I want to see more of them- I was just getting into their being a couple!
September 17, 2020
So I’m feeling really sad to have finally finished this amazing series!! (Discarded Heroes) When I started, I wasn’t sure I could emotionally handle more than one or two without a break to read something different, because they were so intense. But I ended up reading all 5 back to back, because the more you read them, the more they draw you in. With a cast of characters that you will fall in love with, and just enough hope sprinkled through the pages to take the sting out of the grit and intensity of the trauma that litters the stories, these books are nearing perfection if you want a real, gritty action read.

I finished Lygos last night and I loved finally getting to know Azzan a little more! We first met Azzan Yassir AKA Aladdin, Lygos or ‘the assassin’ in Digitalis (book 2), and he’s been such a mysterious character through the other books. Considering this and his background as a half-Palestinian, half-Israeli assassin, I thought he’d be a fairly intense character to read. And he definitely has some pretty intense baggage, but oh, he made me laugh! His personality just bounces off the page and he was just such a breath of fresh air! His humorous character really shines through in the ‘hide and seek’ game he plays with Everly, and in the way he falls in love with her at first sight! I laughed out loud at that part, and then had to immediately re-read that paragraph to enjoy it again! Problem is, Everly has secrets and baggage of her own too and pretty soon they have another assassin coming after them...

I probably enjoyed this the most of the 5 books. ‘Enjoy’ is not a word I’d use for the other 4, even though I loved every minute of them. But this one definitely has a much more lighthearted feel - thanks to Azzan’s personality - although it’s certainly not lacking in the grit & intensity either and I enjoyed it immensely.

My only disappointment was that it was so short! This one is only a novella and it was over way too soon for me! I enjoyed it immensely & am so sad it’s the end of the journey with these characters, but so glad I found this author, and looking forward to reading another of her series!
Profile Image for Teresa.
272 reviews
November 27, 2017
I have to be honest, when I found out Ronie Kendig had written a novella to go with the Discarded Heroes Series, I was beyond excited! Lygos was a great reminder of why this series is my favorite. This was non stop action with a side of romance that had me on the edge of my seat.

Azzan Yasir is a half Palestinian half Israeli who is now part of the Nightshade team. They're working on security for an event campaign manager, Everly Sinclair has planned to announce Stone Metcalfe, Canyon's brother, as the next gubernatorial candidate. Everly has been out of the public eye for a while and is hoping no one recognizes her. Azzan has his own secrets but when sparks fly between them, will the secrets cause problems? Can their attraction withstand the most shocking of realizations about Azzans work?

I can't recommend this book enough. If you haven't already read the Discarded Heroes Series, what are you waiting for? This entire series is fantastic and Lygos is just icing on the cake.
Profile Image for C.M..
Author 2 books8 followers
December 29, 2017
I have been a fan of Discarded Heroes for a long time now, and I can't tell you how great it was to go back and meet everyone again - as well a a few new additions! Azzan's story is one that I have been hoping to see for a long time now, and as always, Ronie Kendig does not disappoint!

It was a lot of fun to see a new, more personal side to Azzan. And who knew he'd be so good with kids? I loved his interactions with his nieces and nephews.

The only real complaint I have is that the book was so short. Sure, there is a lot packed into those few pages - but Azzan and Everly's personal issues seemed to be resolved almost too quickly in the end. I would have liked to see the ending stretched out just a tiny bit further.

But that's just a small quibble. The story is still awesome and I would totally recommend it - and all the rest of the series - to anyone I know.
Profile Image for Ana Lopez.
313 reviews39 followers
December 22, 2022
I really loved this book and getting to know more about Azzan. I do wish it had been a full book instead of a novella cause I would have liked more backstory for both Azzan and Everly. I did feel like because it was a novella the storyline was a little bit rushed but I didn’t mind it too much.
For a short book, I did really enjoy the relationship and chemistry between Azzan and Everly.
I loved how Everly despite going through a lot in her life her faith in God is still there and it was really nice to read about Azzan redeeming himself from his jaded past.
I also loved seeing all of the characters from the previous books like the nightshade team, their wives and all of their children.
December 26, 2018
I loved the Discarded Heroes series and was excited to find this novella. The story felt rushed and I even found myself a tad “lost” in the beginning- having to re-read a page or two. It seemed like important details were missing. My expectations might be unfair for a novella. By the latter half of the book, the story was clear and felt more complete. I enjoyed the whole Nightshade family coming together. Ronie is one of my favorite authors and I still recommend this book for anyone that has read the series.
Profile Image for Shona.
238 reviews3 followers
December 13, 2017
Discarded heroes are back with a bang and a wallop. Fantastic face paced action with the usual suspense and side helping of romance. Great to see the whole team back together and get an update on their lives. Not to mention the fantastic chemistry between them all. Azzan and Everly were relatable characters who took a while to trust and believe in each other. Their story fits well into the series and it was such a bonus to meet them all again after a few years.
Profile Image for Dianne Sidebottom.
1,375 reviews13 followers
November 28, 2017
Read the updated Digitalis story on kindle recently, remembering Azzan n Piper from the earlier paperback version. The Nightshade present members 6 years later the setting for this story and on home turf. Love your work Ronnie!!!
The Metcalfe family have interesting names and would be great to catch them (like Reef briefly in Tox's dramas).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2017
Wrapping up “THE DISCARDED HEROES!”

Ronie Kendig has done what she does best, gets the reader involved in a non stop, action filled, heart tugging read, that won’t let you put it down until finished! Azzan “Lagos” Yasir, was the last hero with a riveting past, to find closure and love, with a woman whose story rivaled his own! A great read!!
Profile Image for Janet Merrell.
634 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2018
So, so, so good. Really nice character development and plot for a novella; I enjoyed every page. I had no problem picking up with the Nightshade team. I'm not sure why I remember each of them so well, unless it's because they were my first books to read by this author. Loved catching up with all of them and their families.
Profile Image for Mark.
2,067 reviews46 followers
October 28, 2019
I got this book for Christmas, and misplaced it...so I just now got around to reading it. I loved the Discarded Heroes Series.....well anything this author writes....so it was cool to revisit those characters, and read a book focused on Azzan. Awesome read, totally enjoyed it.....it was just too short :)
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,123 reviews48 followers
December 22, 2017
Very good but much too short; I wish this had been a full length novel because I enjoyed the characters and the story so much. I liked how the lead characters, Azzan and Everly, were able to flirt by text and gradually let down their guard with one another via this "distanced" communication means.
40 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2018
Heroes!

Another intriguing read by an author who has taken discarded military heroes and shown how they can have productive lives after military! I have enjoyed each book in the series and recommend them to anyone that enjoys this type of read!
1 review1 follower
June 30, 2019
This book is simply amazing!

Ronnie has done it again!
This book is for all warrior hearts!
As always Ronnie draws you in and leaves you wanting so much more!
Definitely give this a read if you’ve read the others in the series and if you haven’t read Nightshade start there!
Profile Image for Caryl.
1,698 reviews25 followers
December 2, 2019
Oorah! Lygos's story is action-packed! It's also a story of second chances and redemption. I so appreciate the spiritual truths woven throughout.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading about our military heroes.

All views expressed are my honest opinion.
73 reviews
July 19, 2020
Love it

It’s always lovely to revisit favourite characters, and I’ve finally read Azzan’s story. Since it’s a novella, it’s short - but packed with love and action. Read after Firethorn for most enjoyment.
Profile Image for Barbara Carter.
383 reviews6 followers
September 18, 2024
Heart stopping action and suspense

Just kept me turning my virtual pages. Everly’s story is one of sadness and strength, while Lygos’ story nearly parallels it. Read and find out what happens. Great story.
Profile Image for Alicia.
18 reviews
December 8, 2017
This was a great novella to round out the Discarded Heroes series. I have enjoyed reading their stories. As always, this was another great read from Ronie Kendig!!
Profile Image for Chelsa  Wiarda.
79 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2017
Another winner!

Action, romance, suspense, camaraderie; Ronie has it all! Lygos left me wanting more of Azzan, Everly and the Nightshade team.
Profile Image for Amanda Himes.
247 reviews16 followers
January 12, 2018
I love Ronie Kendig's books and characters generally, but this one feels rushed and it shows in repetitive language throughout the story.
9 reviews
December 1, 2018
Great

So enjoyed the story Assan beautiful green eyes but also to have all the discarded hero's and family . Thank you for a great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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